Cork Chamber has strongly urged the Government to oppose the sale of Aer Lingus in light of growing concerns regarding the absence of guarantees around the safe-guarding of the Cork-Heathrow slots or any other information relating to International Consolidated Airlines Group (IAG) longer-term plans for the airline. The Cork-Heathrow slots are a critical piece of business infrastructure for the Cork region. Heathrow is the principal connection to Cork’s largest trading partner, the UK and is the leading access point to the globe from a business perspective.

Additionally, Cork Chamber has welcomed the recent announcement by Minister for Transport, Mr. Paschal Donohoe T.D. that the government is establishing an interdepartmental group to consider the implications of this potential sale. Cork Chamber has also strongly advocated to the Government that it is essential that the terms of reference of this group include a requirement to report specifically on the impact and implications of any sale on Cork Airport. It is clear that a broad national overview would not be sufficient and would not acknowledge the growing concerns across the Cork business and tourism community which reflect the incalculable importance of connectivity to London Heathrow, which is an intrinsic core of Cork’s business and tourism infrastructure.

Cork Chamber welcomes a new report launched by Cork County Council and CIT which predicts increased dairy exports from Cork of €450 million by 2020 leading to 4,000 extra jobs for the region. The report forecasts that the abolishment of milk quotas will result in a 50% increase in milk output by 2020. This will be of enormous benefit for the county in terms of new jobs and an increase in the value of output and exports from Cork of €450 million per annum in 2020 relative to the present. This output is being underpinned by the huge investment in the dairy sector of over €1.2 billion which is currently in progress in the county at farm and processing level.

Date: Tuesday 10^th February
Time: 7.30am – 9.00am
Venue: Oriel House Hotel
Cost: €25 members / €35 non members

Cork Chamber is proud to bring you the first Business Breakfast of 2015, kicking off with a business breakfast featuring Tim Lucey, recently appointed Chief Executive of Cork County.

Tim Lucey has been Chief Executive of Cork County Council since 1^st May 2014 following a three and a half year term as Cork City Manager.  If you are interested in hearing about what plans Cork County Council have for the future, then this is a must attend event for you.

BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW to avoid disappointment           

Date: Tuesday 17^th February
Time: 5.30pm – 7.00pm
Venue: Cork International Hotel
Cost: FREE for Cork Chamber members
To book:  HERE 

Cork Chamber is delighted to bring you the first Business After Hours event of 2015. The revamped, super stylish Cork International Hotel will host this not to be missed evening. Some of the hotels recent achievements include - Hotel Bar of the Year @ The National Bar Awards, Best Value Hotel 2014 with a 95% guest satisfaction rating highest in Cork, and Tripadvisor’s 5th Trendiest Hotel in Ireland

This is an excellent opportunity to visit the restyled hotel and gives you the opportunity to network with fellow chamber members, the team at the hotel, and neighbouring companies in the Cork Airport Business park.

“It’s not what you are that holds you back, it’s what you think you are….” Denis Waitley

Our ‘Advancing Leadership Programme - Why should anyone be led by you?’ starts on the 18^th February next. Seize this opportunity to unlock your inner potential and maximise your performance. You will see the benefits in both your professional and personal life.

You can read testimonials from previous attendees here.

Places on this course are filling up fast so don’t miss this unique opportunity, BOOK TODAY!

• Evening Echo: Ryanair say movement is needed to lower Cork Airport charges - Read More here.
• Irish Examiner:  Company of The Year Awards - Part 3: Finalists in the Emerging category  - Read More here. 
• Irish Independent: Aer Lingus bosses to split €30m if deal is approved - Read More here.
• Irish Independent: Keeping Heathrow slots 'crucial to regional cities' - Read More here. 

• Asystec Announce Sponsorship of Cork County Council GAA Team - Read more HERE 
• New Fundraising Manager joins Cork University Hospital Charity - Read more HERE
• Government Called On To Safeguard Cork's Critical Business Infrastructure - Read more HERE
• George Boole 200 Inaugural Lectures - Read more HERE
• The Cornstore Group are one of the 6 finalists in the food and drink category in this year's SFA Small Business Awards - Read more HERE
• Breast cancer explained: Cork University Hospital launches app - Read more HERE
• Port of Cork Schools Initiative Looks at the Lusitania Centenary for 2015 - Read more HERE
• An Oasis of Calm for Cork - Read more HERE
• Pioneering electronics entrepreneur to visit UCC to discuss the billions of benefits of Boole… - Read More HERE 
• Experience the Magic of telling your compelling Story - Read More HERE
• Leading through Change - Read More HERE

On Friday 30th January from 9.30am to 12pm we would like to invite you to Cork Chamber Offices on Summerhill North. Open to both members and non-members you will have an opportunity to meet with key members of the team to learn the specific ways in which Cork Chamber can help your business.
 
Please forward this information to anyone who would be interested in learning more about Cork Chamber or feel free to pop in for a cup of coffee on the day. Contact us on 021-4509044 to book ahead.

Ecobuild Matchmaking 2015,
4th March 2015, London, UK

Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) is organising a B2B matchmaking event which will take place during Ecobuild, the biggest event in the world for sustainable construction. With pre-arranged one-to-one meetings, exhibitors and visitors can find potential commercial and technology partners from across Europe. 

Learn About Lille - The Food Industry Powerhouse of Northern France,
11th March 2015, Clarion Hotel, Cork

EEN Cork, in association with representatives from Nord France Invest, the Nutrition, Health and Longevity Cluster and Nutrevent, are organising a seminar focusing on Lille, France. The seminar will focus on companies looking to expand into mainland Europe and the supports and incentives available to them through Nord France Invest. Companies looking for business partnership opportunities, or collaboration opportunities in the area of R&D and innovation, particularly in the Agri-food and health industries, will learn more about how to explore these opportunities. 


See 'read more' below for further information on all of the above. 

A new initiative entitled “I Wish” aims to address the issues that face female students, their parents and teachers, when it comes to choosing subjects and making career choices in secondary school.

The brainchild of a number of female business leaders in Cork, “I Wish” is being spearheaded by Gillian Keating, President of Cork Chamber, Caroline O’Driscoll, it@cork Vice Chair and Ruth Buckley, Head of IT at Cork City Council, and is supported by UCC, CIT and Cork County Council teams.

Students from all over the County can also avail of the I Wish events, which aims to include students from the entire Cork region. Fota Wildlife Park will host the East Cork hub, with SWS Group hosting a West Cork hub in Clonakilty, the CIT hub will facilitate the City West region, while Dairygold will host a North Cork hub. From food science and nutrition, to technology and engineering, there will be extensive information and talks on careers for women in these fields.

This event is sponsored by Bank of Ireland

Date: One day workshop on 24th February, Two day workshop on 25th & 26th February 
Time: 9am – 5pm
Venue: Vertigo, County Hall, Cork
To Book:  here 

Helen Kuyper of 24/7 Storytelling, a world leader in building persuasive and memorable stories, will host 2 workshops in the art of storytelling in association with Smarter Egg. Open to individuals, professionals, business owners and organisations, the workshops will teach the fundamentals of storytelling and how to tell a story that people never forget.

Date: 29th March
Time: Beginning at 10am
Venue: Trabolgan Holiday Village & finishing at Camden Fort Meagher, Crosshaven.

Early bird before 1st February €39 / 1st February to 28th March €45

To book: here

Cycle alongside Cork Harbour, the second largest natural harbour in the world whilst raising funds for the Mercy University Hospital Foundation, the Lions Club of Cork and Camden Fort Meagher Restoration.

This exciting cycling sportif gives cyclists of all abilities the option of taking a 60km, a new 85km or 125km route (the 125 km route finishes at Whitegate).